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Parent Information

Q. What is influenza (flu)?

The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by
influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness,
and at times can lead to death.The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccination each year. Some people, such as older people, young children,
and people with certain health conditions (such as
asthma, diabetes, or heart disease), are at high risk for
serious flu complications.

Q. How does the flu spread? Flu viruses spread mainly from person to person
through coughing or sneezing. Sometimes people
may become infected by touching something with flu
viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

Q. What can I do to prevent my child from getting
the flu? Maine CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccine as the
first and most important step in protecting against this
serious disease. While there are many different flu
viruses, the flu vaccine protects against the three main
flu strains that research indicates will cause the most
illness during the flu season. The vaccine can protect
you from getting sick from these three viruses or it can
make your illness milder if you get a different flu virus.
In addition, everyday preventive steps like frequent
hand washing can decrease your child’s chances of
getting the flu.

Fact Sheet:
School-Located Vaccine
Clinics for Flu

Q. Why are children getting vaccinated at school? School clinics provide an opportunity for more
children to be vaccinated, which makes for a safer and
healthier school environment. While adults usually have
many places to get flu vaccine (work, pharmacy,
community clinics, etc) there are fewer opportunities for
children outside of their healthcare provider’s office.
Children who receive flu vaccine are much less likely to
get the flu and miss school.

Q. What are the advantages of having my child
vaccinated at a school-based clinic?

• The vaccine is free: There is no fee for the
vaccine and no fee or copayment for an office
visit. The clinic provider will ask for your
insurance information on your permission form in
order to bill your insurance carrier for
administering the vaccine. No child will be
denied the opportunity to be vaccinated and
there will be no costs passed on to the
families.

• Parents do not need to miss work: If your child
is vaccinated at the school- based clinic you may
or may not need to be present. Consent forms
are provided to parents ahead of time. Please
check with your school to see if parent
attendance is required.

• Students do not need to miss school: If your
child is vaccinated in the school- based clinic, he
or she will not need to be taken out of school for
an appointment with your health care provider.

• Vaccine administration information will be
available to your usual health care provider:
Information on this vaccination will be entered
into the State’s Immunization Registry and this
information is available to your health care
provider.